Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Cruise Offer

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 – Sunday 4th July

UK flights to depart in the morning (ask for specific flight details) Following your arrival at Rome Fiumicino airport, there will be a private transfer waiting for you in the arrivals hall to take you to Civitavecchia ship port. Following check in, you will be able to check in to your complimentary ocean view cabin and the ship will depart from Rome at 5.00pm. The ship will dock at the following ports during your 7 night cruise and excursions will be available:

Day 2 – Sicily, Italy

Located in northeastern Sicily on the slopes of the Peloritani Mountains, Messina is an ancient place with a fascinating history. Walk by the ruins of the Santa Maria Alemanna Church, built in 1220 A.D. You’ll also want to see the Duomo, a Romanesque and Norman cathedral that includes a display of artifacts in its treasury.

Day 3 – Valletta, Malta

In addition to a number of significant works of art, this town is known for the many fortifications built by the Knights of Malta, who for years helped care for European pilgrims and crusaders en route to and from the Holy Land. The walled city of Valletta was founded in 1565 by the Knights of St. John and it remains a masterfully preserved medieval treasure. From the glittering baroque interior of the Co-Cathedral of St. John to the charm found wandering the old cobbled avenues, it’s no wonder this tiny city has earned World Heritage status. Hidden among the foreboding fortresses and decorative masterpieces is a city with growing appreciation for contemporary design, exciting, culinary offerings, and burgeoning nightlife scene.Maltese cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean dishes and influences with touches of French and Sicilian. Fresh seafood and the Maltese wines from the distinguished local vineyards are always on the menu. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of Mdina to see its medieval churches, cathedrals, and palaces. Experience two Maltese treasures: The Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk village. Or, set off on a Maltese sightseeing adventure beginning at Valleta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens. It’s a wonderfully small capital that’s bursting with stories. Valleta is a place you’re sure to create a few stories of your own on your Valletta cruise.

Day 4 – Cruising at sea, enjoy ship at leisure

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until you arrive at the next amazing destination.

Day 5 – Corfu, Greece

According to myth, Poseidon honeymooned on this picturesque Greek island—and it’s easy to see why. Its breathtaking natural landscape and long history as an artistic and cultural hub make Corfu one of the most cosmopolitan and captivating of the Greek Isles. Wander through the cobblestoned streets of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or soak up some sun on one of the island’s many beaches.

Day 6 – Kotor, Montenegro

A cruise to Kotor, Montenegro offers up some of the most well-preserved architecture in all the Adriatic coast, with landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. Built in 1166, there are frescoes dating back hundreds of years, and much of the gold and silver relief work done by the city’s master craftsmen of that time are held for safe keeping within its walls. Tucked at the secluded tip of a tranquil bay and watched over for millennia by the surrounding mountains, Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. The town’s history dates back before the epic age of Homer, but it’s the medieval wonders in Old Kotor that draw acclaim today. Marbled avenues meander with no apparent order, and, even for locals, it’s quite common to get turned around. The good news is, few places are more fun to get lost in than Kotor. Cruises to Montenegro would not be complete without sampling the local cuisine. Fresh seafood is always on the menu and the “domestic fish thick soup” is a tradition not to be missed. Old churches, shops, and bars line the avenues, and don’t be surprised to wander upon a charming piazza right out of the blue. Come summer, the lavish yachts of the ultra-rich fill the marina, presenting a striking contrast to the rustic romance and ancient beauty of Kotor.

Day 7 – Zadar, Croatia

Located on the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic Sea, Zadar is a Roman-era city with a modern and youthful vibe. Stroll along its beautiful tree-lined promenade. Start at The Sea Organ, an art installation consisting of 35 pipes cut into the promenade. Soothing chords become a cacophony when the waves are choppy, creating an unpredictable concert orchestrated by the sea. Classical sights include the Roman forum, of which only a few columns and an altar remain. Stones from here were used to build the neighboring rotunda of 9th-century St. Donat’s Church. The church of St. Simeon contains a beautifully crafted silver reliquary, while more can be seen in the Gold and Silver of Zadar exhibition at St. Mary’s church. There are dozens of nearby islands to explore on your Zadar cruise with gorgeous national parks, lakes, waterfalls, mountains and secluded wilderness throughout as well. And as the sun sets in fiery oranges and regal purples, participate in the local custom called Greeting to the Sun, the nightly tradition where you dance/walk across hundreds of pieces of layered, solar powered glass positioned in the shape of a circle as hundreds of dots of multi-colored light reflect across its surface.

Day 8 – Sunday 11th July

Following 7 nights aboard the Celebrity Infinity Cruise, you will arrive in Venice port where the ship will disembark and there will be a private transfer waiting to take you to the Liassidi Palace Hotel, where will you enjoy a 3 night stay in a deluxe twin room on a bed and breakfast basis. Days and evenings can be spent exploring this beautiful city.

Day 11 – Wednesday 14th July

On the morning of your final day in Venice following breakfast, there will be a shared water taxi transfer waiting to take you and other fellow train passengers to Venice Santa Lucia to embark on your trip aboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient Express. Impeccably restored to their former glory, each cabin ensures you have a truly unique and authentic experience, complemented by an exceptional level of personal service. The comfortable bedrooms are transformed by your staff, from banquette seating, to a cosy bedroom in the evening, all while you are enjoying your gourmet dinner in the restaurant car. Every room, complete with original washbasin cabinet, is expertly maintained by staff, and supplies you with soft towels and crisp linen. Enjoy a dedicated steward service, three-course lunch, and an afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes and pastries, in your cabin. This evening, you can look forward to a sumptuous four-course dinner, prepared by skilled French chefs

Day 12 – Thursday 15th July

The next morning, have breakfast in your cabin, brought to you by your steward, before pulling into Gare de Paris-Est for a 40-minute halt and the opportunity to stretch your legs. A delicious brunch will be served as you journey towards Calais to cross the Channel Tunnel‡. Upon arrival in Folkestone, the Belmond British Pullman train awaits to take you on your journey to London. A traditional afternoon tea and glass of English sparkling wine accompanies the final part of your journey. Welcome to London Victoria Station. If required, transfer to London Heathrow for your onward flight can be arranged or end your journey here.